Method and apparatus for safely seating multiple children

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for seating two or more small children in a safe and comfortable manner in a reduced seating footprint. Through the use of a reduced seating footprint, parents can utilize safer, smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles such that the financial burden associated with owning and operating larger vehicles can be foregone. The seating assembly can include a unitary seating frame having two or more seating portions operatively connected to the seating frame. The seating assembly can further include a utility bin that operably attaches to the unitary seating frame.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/734,828 filed Nov. 9, 2005 and entitled “METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR SAFELY SEATING MULTIPLE CHILDREN”, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to car seats for safety seatingchildren in a motor vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates toa seating assembly for multiple children utilizing a unitary frameassembly for reducing the overall footprint of the seating assembly.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Infants and young children typically ride within motor vehicles inspecially configured and secured child seats until the child reaches aspecified age such as, for example, 5 or 6 years or until the childreaches a desired height and/or weight. The car seats provide an abilityto use the safety restraints and safety features of automobiles withsmall children and infants. Generally, child seats utilize a seat framehaving one or more interfaces for securing the child seat to the vehiclesafety restraints such as, for example, lap belts or over the shoulderbelts.

In many instances, families may have two or more children of agesrequiring each child to use a child seat. This can occur when brothersand/or sisters are born within relatively short time frames such as, forexample, within a one, two, three or four year time period. However, oneincreasingly frequent instance when families have two or more childrenis when the family experiences the birth of multiples, such as, forexample, twins and triplets. In the United States, the frequency ofmultiple births has increased due to the fact that more women over age30 are having babies as well as by the increased use offertility-stimulating drugs and assisted reproductive techniques such asin vitro fertilization. Between 1980 and 2000, the number of twin birthsincreased by over 70% while the number of higher order multiples(triplets, quadruplets and more) increased by over fivefold. Overall,almost 3% of the babies born today in the United States are born in setsof two, three, four or more.

As would be expected, families having two or more young children arefaced with a variety of new expenses that may stretch the budget. Thiscan include items such as, for example, baby formula, diapers, cleaningwipes, clothing and the other typical child-rearing items. Withmultiples, the effects of these expenses can be even more pronounced asthere is no ability to pass down items from child-to-child and all theexpenses for all of the children are incurred at the same moment.

In addition to lower dollar consumable items such as those describedabove, families having multiple young children, and especially familieswith multiples, may suddenly be faced with the prospect that the familyautomobile is not adequate, i.e., large enough to accommodate multiplechild seats. In some extreme instances such as, for example, familieshaving three young children wherein the children are of differing agesor triplets, the parents may suddenly face the prospect of having to buya new vehicle such as, for example, a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV),station wagon, mini-van or van that is large enough to physicallyaccommodate multiple child seats. In addition to further increasing thefinancial burden on parents by requiring the purchase of new, largervehicles, these vehicles often suffer additional disadvantages such aslower crash safety ratings and increased operating expenses due todecreased fuel efficiency and more costly maintenance than smallervehicles. Because of the added financial burdens placed on familieshaving multiple small children, and especially families havingmultiples, there remains a growing need to find ways to reduce the costburdens placed on parents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the aforementioned needs of parentshaving multiple young children by providing a unitary seating assemblyfor seating two or more small children in a safe and comfortable mannerin a reduced seating footprint. Through the use of a reduced seatingfootprint, parents can utilize safer, smaller and more fuel efficientvehicles such that the financial burden associated with owning andoperating larger vehicles can be foregone.

In one aspect, a representative embodiment of a seating assembly of thepresent invention comprises a seating frame having two or more seatingportions operatively connected to the seating frame. Generally, theseating frame can comprise tabs, latches, buckles and the like, alone orin combination, allowing the seating frame to retainably connect to lapand/or shoulder belt assemblies of a motor vehicle. The seating portionscan be permanently attached to the seating frame or may be removablydetachable from the seating frame to serve additional functions such as,for example, baby carriers or as components of a stroller assembly.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to methods of reducingthe overall seating footprint required to safely seat two or morechildren within a motor vehicle. By utilizing a seating assemblycomprising a seating frame having two or more child seats, theadditional space associated with two or more individual car seat framesis eliminated allowing the children to be safely seated and restrainedin a seating footprint having a reduced width. By reducing the overallseating footprint, a family can safely utilize a safer, smaller motorvehicle having lower costs of operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multiple child carseat of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a multiplechild car seat of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multiple child carseat of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multiple child carseat of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multiple child carseat of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the multiple child car seat of FIG. 1installed in an automobile.

FIG. 7 is perspective view of the multiple child car seat of FIG. 4installed in an automobile.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a child car seatinstalled in an automobile.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a child car seatinstalled in an automobile.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a child car seatinstalled in an automobile.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thefigures and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an embodiment of a unitary seating frame 100can comprise a floor portion 102, a rear wall 104, a pair of end walls106 a, 106 b and one or more interior seat walls 108. Unitary seatingframe 100 can comprise any suitable material such as, for example,plastic polymers, metals and combinations thereof, exhibitingadvantageous characteristics such as reduced weight and increasedstrength. Though not illustrated, it will be understood that unitaryseating frame 100 can include various reinforcement means so as tofurther promote the strength of unitary seating frame 100. These caninclude one or more reinforcement members integrated into any of thefloor portion 102, rear wall 104, end walls 106 a, 106 b and interiorseat walls 108. Though illustrated as a single integral component, itwill be understood that unitary seating frame 100 can comprise two ormore frame pieces that operably attach and lock to one another to formthe unitary seating frame 100 so as to facilitate positioning of theunitary seating frame 100 within an automobile. End walls 106 a, 106 band interior seat walls 108 define a first seating portion 110 a, asecond seating portion 110 b and a third seating portion 110 c.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, an embodiment of a multiple child car seat 114can comprise unitary seating frame 100, at least one detachable car seat116 and a utility bin 118. Both detachable car seat 116 and utility bin118 can include suitable attachment mechanisms allowing for operableattachment and detachment to and from the various seating portions. Forinstance, detachable car seat 116 and utility bin 118 can each compriselatching or receiving members 119 for engaging retaining members 121 onfirst seating portion 110 a, second seating portion 110 b and thirdseating portion 110 c. Representative attachment mechanisms can includethose illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,237,999; 6,428,099,6,428,100; 6,616,226; 6,672,664; 6,705,676; and 6,857,700 as well asU.S. Published Application Nos. 2004/0113469A1; 2004/0217636A1;2005/0077765A1; 2005/0127727A1; and 2005/0173955A1, the precedingpatents and published applications being herein incorporated byreference in their entirety. Alternatively, first seating portion 110 a,second seating portion 110 b and third seating portion 110 c can includechild seats permanently attached to the unitary seating frame 100.Though not depicted, it will be understood that each detachable car seat116 can include conventional child restrain mechanisms such as, forexample, a five point harness, a T-shield and/or a tray shield.

Utility bin 118 can be integral to the unitary seating frame 100 oralternatively, utility bin 118 can comprise an attachment mechanism fordetachably connecting the utility bin 118 to the second seating portion110 b. Utility bin 118 can comprise a cover assembly 120 for providingaccess to an interior storage portion for storing games, toys, babywipes, diapers, treats and similar items frequently required and used bysmall children. Cover assembly 120 can include one or more drink holders122 and one or more recessed storage portions 124. In some instances,parents with a single child will find utility bin 118 to provide enoughconvenience that unitary seating frame 100 can be utilized with the soleintention of seating only the single child along with attaching theutility bin 118.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, unitary seating frame 100 can comprise armslots 126 for accommodating attachment of a restraining bar 128.Restraining bar 128 can comprise projecting arms 130 and a paddedcross-bar 132. Restraining bar 128 can be operably pivoted between anupward open disposition and a downward closed disposition. Unitaryseating frame 100 can include restraining bar 128 for individualoperation with each of first seating portion 110 a, second seatingportion 110 b and third seating portion 110 c or alternatively, unitaryseating frame 100 can include a multi-child restraining bar 134 asillustrated in FIG. 3. Restraining bar 128 and multi-child restrainingbar 134 can each include a buckle mechanism for locking the restrainingbar to a leg strap.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, multiple child car seat 114 can comprisedetachable car seats 116 operably mounted in each of the first seatingportion 110 a, second seating portion 110 b and third seating portion110 c for providing seating for three children.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, multiple child car seat 114 can comprisedetachable car seats 116 operably mounted in the first seating portion110 a and third seating portion 110 c with utility bin 118 operablymounted in the second seating portion 110 b for providing seating fortwo children.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, unitary seating frame 100 can be positionedand operably attached to an automobile seat 200. Unitary seating frame100 can include receptacles or other connectors for operablyinterconnecting the unitary seating frame 100 with a shoulder belt 202or lap belt 204 such as, for example, those taught in the aforementionedand incorporated patents and published patent applications.

Through the use of unitary seating frame 100, arrangements can be madefor seating multiple children in a space smaller than that required forseating the same number of children using individual car seats of theprior art as there is no longer a need for separate, individual framesfor each car seat. In some instance, it is presently contemplated thatuse of unitary seating frame 100 can reduce the overall width necessaryto seat two or more children by at least about 3 inches and morepreferably, from about 3 inches to about 12 inches or more as comparedto the use of two or more individual car seats and their correspondingframes. By eliminating the use of the individual frames and instead,utilizing a single unitary seating frame 100, overall width is reducedwhile the opportunity is presented to increase overall strength throughthe use of stronger, larger frame.

Unitary seating frame 100 provides a wide degree of seating flexibilityto accommodate different numbers and sizes of children. Once unitaryseating frame 100 is attached to automobile seat 200, detachable carseats 116 can be attached to the first seating portion 110 a, secondseating portion 110 b and third seating portion 110 c to allow seatingfor up to three children as illustrated in FIG. 7. As illustrated inFIG. 8, unitary seating frame 100 can include multi-child restrainingbar 134 for operably restraining up to three children in the detachablecar seats 116. As illustrated in FIG. 9, unitary seating frame 100 canbe adapted to accept a rear facing infant seat 136 in the first seatingportion 110 a. As illustrated in FIG. 10, an embodiment of unitaryseating frame 100 can comprise a toddler seat 138 positioned over thefirst seating portion 110 a for use with larger children withoutrequiring that unitary seating frame 100 be removed from the automobileseat 200. The toddler can then be restrained using shoulder belt 202 andlap belt 204. In this way, unitary seating frame 100 can be utilizedwith the differing style of car seats based upon the child's age, sizeand weight. In another embodiment, a second unitary frame 100 can beprovided or purchased allowing parents, grandparent and other caregiversto easily move the detachable car seats 116 between different carswithout requiring that the unitary frame 100 be removed and reinstalledwhen transporting children in different cars.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to arepresentative, presently contemplated embodiment, it will be understoodthat numerous insubstantial changes in configuration, arrangement orappearance of the elements of the present invention can be made withoutdeparting from the intended scope of the present invention. Accordingly,it is intended that the scope of the present invention be determined bythe claims as set forth.

1. A method for reducing a car seat footprint required for seating twoor more children in a motor vehicle comprising: providing a unitaryseating frame having at least a first seating portion and a secondseating portion; fastening the unitary seating frame to an automobileseat; and attaching at least a first car seat and a second car seat tothe first seating portion and the second seating portion.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the unitary seating frame includes a third seatingportion.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising: attaching either athird car seat or a utility bin to the third seating portion.
 4. A childcar seat system comprising: a unitary frame having at least a firstseating portion and a second seating portion; a first car seat; and asecond car seat, wherein the unitary frame is coupled to an automobileseat; and wherein the first car seat is attached to the first seatingportion and the second car seat is attached to the second seatingportion.
 5. The child car seat system of claim 4, wherein the unitaryframe further comprises a third seating portion and wherein a third carseat is attached to the third seating portion.
 6. The child car seatsystem of claim 4, wherein the unitary frame further comprises a thirdseating portion and wherein a utility bin is attached to the thirdseating portion.
 7. The child car seat system of claim 6, wherein theutility bin includes one or more storage features selected from thegroup comprising: an interior storage portion, a recessed storageportion and a drink holder.
 8. The child car seat system of claim 4,wherein the first car seat and the second car seat are detachablyremovable from the unitary frame.
 9. The child car seat system of claim4, wherein the first car seat is selected from the group comprising: aninfant seat, a toddler seat and a child booster seat.
 10. The child carseat system of claim 4, wherein the second car seat is selected from thegroup comprising: an infant seat, a toddler seat and a child boosterseat.
 11. The child car seat system of claim 4, wherein the unitaryframe comprises a multi-child restraining bar adapted for placement in aretaining orientation to both the first car seat and the second carseat.
 12. A method of seating two or more children across an automobileseat comprising: attaching a single seating frame to the automobileseat, wherein the single seating frame includes at least a first seatingportion and a second seating portion; and installing a first car seat inthe first seating portion and a second car seat in the second seatingportion.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the steps of attaching thesingle seating frame and installing the first car seat and the secondcar seat reduces a seating width by at least 3 inches when compared toattaching two individual car seats to the automobile seat.
 14. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the first car seat is selected from thegroup comprising: an infant seat, a toddler seat and a child boosterseat.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the second car seat isselected from the group comprising: an infant seat, a toddler seat and achild booster seat.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the singleseating frame includes a third seating portion.
 17. The method of claim16, further comprising: attaching a third unit to the third seatingportion, wherein the third unit is selected from the group comprising:an infant seat, a toddler seat, a child booster seat and a utility bin.18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: storing children's itemswithin a utility bin attached to the third seating portion.